STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27551 / S1326
This bill establishes the Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program to provide loan repayment assistance,
eligibility, award criteria and protocols in order to address the serious teacher shortage in Idaho as identified by
the Idaho State Department of Education. Because attracting Certified Instructional and Pupil Service Staff to
work in rural school districts and communities with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students
is becoming increasingly difficult, this bill will provide additional incentive to keep qualified teachers in those
communities.
FISCAL NOTE
The impact to the General Fund could be $1,000,000 per year. According to 2017 data from the Idaho State
Department of Education, there are nearly 20,000 certificated teachers and counselors in the State of Idaho
and approximately 50 percent of them work in a rural district and approximately 77% of all schools in Idaho
are economically disadvantaged. Eligible teachers and counselors are determined by the Idaho State Board of
Education. There will also be some staffing costs required to administer the program. That cost is ongoing and
is estimated at $50,000 per year.
Contact:
Senator Janie Ward-Engelking
(208) 332-1000
Representative Sally Toone
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/10/2020, 4:22 PM